Conveyer



Feb. 16, 1932. H. D. LATHROP coNvExER Filed Aug. 16, 1930 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 16, 1932. H, D. LATHROP 1,845,297

CONVEYER Filed Aug. 1e. 195o 4 sheets-sheet 5 Feb. 16, 1932. H, D, LATHR'OP 1,845,297

CONVEYER Filed Aug. 16. 1950 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 jaja Patented Feb. 16, 1932 PATENT OFFICE HARRY D. LATHROP, 0F CHIGAGO, ILLINOIS CONVEYER Application led August 16, 1930. Serial No. 475,777.

This invention relates to a conveyer, and an object of the invention is the provision of improved conveying apparatus simple in design and construction, economical t0 manufacture, and especially durable and eiiicient in operation. A further object is the provision of a conveyer adapted to transport or convey articles in a curvilinear path, with` the apparatus so designed and constructed that a minimum number of parts are employed, and in which a small amount of operating power is required in comparison vwith the work accomplished. An additional object is theprovision of an improved conveyer for the conveyance of relatively heavy objects, in which the objects are directly supported by the moving member of the conveyer, with improved means for changing the direction of the conveyed articles.

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

` The invention consists in the combinations and arrangements of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

The invention will be best understood by reference to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a conveyer constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the endlesschain member removed; y

Fig. 2 is a horizontal sectional view of the chain return run wheel and associated parts, taken substantially on the line 2 2 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational View, taken substantially on the line 3 3 of F ig. l;

Fig 4 is a vertical sectional view of the drive sprocket and adjacent parts, taken substantially on the line 1 -4 of Fig. l;

Fig. 5 is a plan view, partly in section, of a plurality of links of the type of conveyer chain preferably employed in carrying out the invention;

Fig. 6 is a vertical sectional view, taken substantially on the line 6 6 of Fig. 5;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view of the conveying apparatus showing a milk can in position on the conveyer, taken substantially on the line 7 7 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 8 is a vertical sectional view through the direction changingpotionof the appa'-v ratus, taken substantially on the line 8 8 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 9 is an enlarged detail plan view, taken substantially on the line 9 9 oi'Fig. y 5

8, showing the direction changing mechanism;

Fig. l0 is an enlarged plan view of the return run of the conveyer chain and associated mechanism, taken substantially on the line 10-10 of Fig. 8; and

Fig. 11 is a detail View of the idle sprocket and associated mechanism, taken substantially on the line 11 11 of Fig. 1.

As illustrated in the drawings, the preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a framework, preferably composed of a plurality of sections whereby the length of the linear portions may be increased or decreased. Each section preferably comprises a plurality of vertically extending standards 14 of angle iron construction, so arranged that the parallel flanges of oppositely disposed standards may serve as supporting means for the cross members, and the transverse flanges may be perforated to support bolts 15 for uniting the sections together. Thus, on each linear section, there are two lower spaced longitudinally extending braces 16, lower transverse supports 17 and upper transverse supports 18, the lower transverse supports 17 arranged to support the channel for the return run of the conveyer chain, and the upper transverse supports 18 arranged to support the channel for the upper run of the conveyer chain and also the article trackway. Preferably, standards 14 extend upwardly above the operative level of the conveyer chain for the mounting of longitudinally extending article guide bars Vextend parallel and in a longitudinal direc' tion throughout the linear portion of the conveyer. Between the barsv 25 are disposed chain tracks 26 of less height than the bars 25 for supporting conveyer chain 23 during n its upper operative horizontal run or travel.

Mounted upon each side of bracket 24is an article track bracket 27 which carries an article track bar 28, so arranged that the upper horizontal edges are normally disposed slightly below the upper engaging surface of the chain 23, as shown in Fig. 7, to insure continuous engagement of thechain with an article to be conveyed, such as milk can 29. As the article tilts in either direction it rests upon the adjacent track bar or rail 28 withlout lessening the conveying engagement with the chain 23, inasmuch as the lateral guide bars 19 maintain the articles in alinement. Vertical adjustment of the brackets 27, and, consequently, rails 28, is desirable, and therefore each bracket 27 is provided with a vertical slot 30 within which is disposed pin 31 for maintaining the bracket in vertical alinement, and also adjusting bolt 31.

A transverse shaft 32 is journaled upon the framework of the machine in bearings 33 adjacent the delivery end of the conveyer, and has centrally mounted thereon conveyer chain drive sprocket 34. Power may be 1mparted to shaft 32 by motor 35 connected to gear reduction assembly 36 and drive chain 37, which travels over a sprocket aiixed to one end of shaft 32. Adjacent the receiving end, as shown, are a plurality of gravity rollers 38 upon which the articles to be conveyed may be brought to the receiving end of the conveyer, and correspondingly a platform 39 may be mounted adjacent the discharge or delivery end of the conveyer. Also journaled adjacent the receiving endis a transverse idle shaft 40 upon which is keyed sprocket 41.

A special feature of the present invention is the provision of mechanism for deviating from a true linear course, or changing the direction of travel of the conveyer at a relatively sharp angle without the employment of complicated mechanism for the purpose. In the embodiment illustrated the conveyed articles are adapted to make a right angular turn, although it will be understood that any desired angular deviation may be employed. In carrying out `this purpose a special type `of conveyer chain is utilized which is so constructed as to permit of universal relative displacement of adjoining links. The conveyer chain per se is not the subject matter of the present application, but only as an element in combination.

As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, each link of the chain comprises a block 42 having a tooth receiving and engaging aperture 43 for receiving a tooth on either the sprockets 34 or 41. Each block 42 is also provided with an offset head 44, generally spherical in contour and joined to the main block portion by a relatively narrow shank 45. The op osite end of block 42 has two inwardly curve arms 46, the inner portions of which are of concaveformation to provide a socket for the head 44 of an adjoining link. A transverse wall 47 extends between the lateral portions of the block 42, and a transverse web 48 preferably bridges a portion of the arms 46 for strengthening purposes. In the embodiment employed, web 48 is disposed upon the upper or outer surface of the chain so las to permit great angular displacement of the respective links in a vertical plane in traveling around the power and idle sprockets. Links may be added or removed by the mere exexpedient of sliding a head 44 against transverse wall 47 and then shifting thel head downwardly through opening 49. The ball and socket engagement between the respective links permits of relative displacement in a horizontal plane or laterally, as well as in a vertical plane for the sprocket engagement.

An ular change of direction is preferably provi ed by a spider member 50, bolted or otherwise secured to the adjacent standards 14'at a level slightly below the upper horizontal run of the conveyer chain. Spider 50 is provided with radial arms 51, which are turned vertically at the outer extremities to provide portions 52 for supporting an upper curved article guide bar 53, the ends of which are adapted to aline with adjoining guide bars 19 on the linear portions of the conveyer. A curved bracing strip 54 is also supported by dportions 52, and centrally disposed in spi er 50 is a hub 55 in which is pinned vertically extending shaft 56, on the upper portion of which is journaled' idle conveyer wheel 57 and on the lower portion of which is journaled idle chain return wheel 58, held in Vplace by collar 59. An inner curved guide bar 6() is aiiixed to adjacent standards 14 and, as shown', extends parallel to guide bar 53 with a relatively sharp curve for change of direction. Mounted upon spider 50 is a curved article track bar 61 which is spaced inwardly a slight distancev from guide bar 53 but on a lower level, to register with cor responding track bars 28 of the adjoining straight conveyer portions of the device. Wheel 57 is formed to provide a horizontal outer ledge 62 for supporting the conveyer chain 23, and in traveling with the wheel the chain is also supported laterally by annular rib 63. Ledge 62 and rib 63 may be integral with wheel spokes 64, which also carry or have integrally formed therewith an article supporting rib of less diameter than chain Supporting rib 63. In the linear or straight portions of the conveyer, on either side of the conveyer wheel 57, the chain is adapted to travel centrally between the guiding bars 19, but rib 63 during the chain enga ing travel is disposed at a greater radius t an a central position between guide bars 53 and 60. For this purpose a chain rest plate 66, havingan outer flange 67, is arranged on the discharge side of wheel 57, and correspondingly chain res-t plate 68, having a vertical chain guide flange 69, is arranged to support and guide the chain in approaching wheel 57. By reason of the arrangement of the conveyer chain described, as isclearly shown in Fig. 9, theconveyed articles are forced inwardly toward the hub of wheel 57 and are mainly supported upon rib 65. Furthermore, in conveying milk cans, for example, this construction and arrangement causes the cans to be supported entirely by the conveyer wheel 57 and the chain which is traveling' at a uniform speed with the wheel, and as a can approaches the wheel, the offset travel of the chain causes the can to be forced inwardly toward the hub of thevwheel and guide bar 60, This results in smoothness of operation and reduction of friction or loss of speed, inasmuch as the outer portion of the base of each can or article is engaged by the conveyer chain during the approach to and discharge from the conveyer wheel.

The lower wheel 58 is provided with al chain supporting ledge and a single annular rib 71, both mounted on spokes 72, as shown in Fig. 10, and because wheel 58 supports the chain during the lower idle horizontal run, there is no necessity for the outward displacement as described in connection with the upper conveyer run, and therefore the diameters of rib 71 and ledge 7 0 are reduced to aline the chain with the adjacent straight return sections, as shown in Figs. 2 and 10. A chain supporting plate 73 extends between each linear section and the periphery of the return wheel 58.

The apparatus is adapted to operate continuously, and during the straight or linear travel of the conveyer chain in its upper run the chain is disposed centrally between the side guide bars so as to carry practically the entire weight of the article. As an article approaches the upper wheel 57 for changing direction of travel, the chain 23 is carried outwardly toward the guide bar 53, which has a tendency to cause the article conveyed to be shifted against the inner guide bar 60, and in this position it is engaged by the wheel 57 being supported by annular rib 65 as well as the conveyer chain. rl`he article is maintained in this relative position on the wheel until it is again carried between straight guide bars 19, whereupon the chain 23 again assumes a positlon centrally of the base of the article. After proceeding along the second straight portion the articles are successively deposited upon receiving platform 39. l

By utilizing a conveying member having the capacity to flex, both vertically and laterall a continuous endless conveyer .is prov1 ed, and the conveying member also drives the conveying wheel located at a point where the direction of travel is changed. At this point the conveyer chain travels at a greater radius than an intermediate line between the two lateral guide bars for the articles or objects conveyed, and thus also normally at a greater radius than a central directional line through the base of the article. It will be apparent that the angle of directional change may be increased or decreased by merely makingthe required changes in the guide bars 53 and 60 and track bar 61, as well as lower curved brace 16. The transverse supports 17 and 18 may be spot welded to the parallel fianges of opposite standards 14.

Although not confined thereto, the apparatus is especially adapted for use in conveying filled milk or cream cans in dairies and the like, where it is often impractical to install a straight conveyer. The present apparatus enables direction to be changed while utilizing a single conveyer chain and single source of power.

While I have illustrated and described the preferred form of 'construction for carrying my invention into effect, this is capable of variation and modification without departing from the spirit of the invention. I, therefore, do not wish to be limited to the precise details of construction set forth, but desire to avail myself of such variations and modi- L fications as come within the scope of the appended claims.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Conveying apparatus of the character described, comprising a plurality of linear portions, one of said linear portions disposed at an angle relative to the other, a rotatably mounted conveying wheel between said linear portions, and a conveying member movably mounted upon said linear portions and arranged to actuate said conveying wheel, said conveying wheel arranged to cause said conveying member to travel through a path of greater radius above said wheel than the radius of the path of the articles being conveyed.

2. Conveying apparatus of the character described, comprising a linear portion. an upper chain guideway upon said linear portion, a lower chain guideway upon said linear portion, a conveying wheel in alinement with said linear portion for changing direction of conveyed articles, and an endless chain movably mounted` in said guideways and having operative engagement with said conveying wheel, said conveying Wheel arranged to cause sald endless chain to travel through a path of greater radius above said wheel than the radius of the path of the articles being conveyed.

3. Conveying' apparatus of the character described, comprising a linear portion, an upper chain guideway upon said linear portion, a lower chain guideway upon said llnear portion, a conveying wheel in alinement with said linear portion for changing direction of conveyed articles, and an endless chain movably mounted in said guidewaysand having operative engagement with said conveying wheel, said chain composed of a plurality of links arranged to be relatively displaced in both vertical and horizontal planes, saidcon veying Wheel arranged to cause said endless chain to travel through a path of greater radius above said wheel than the radius of the path of the articles being conveyed.

4. Conveying apparatus of the, character described, comprising a plurality of linear supports angularly disposed, an upper chain guideway upon each linear support, a lower chain guideway upon each linear support, a rotatably mounted conveyer interposed between said linear portions, and an endless chain movably mounted in said guideways and having operative engagement with said rotatably mounted conveyer, said conveying y wheel arranged to cause said endless chain to travel through a path of greater radius above said Wheel than the radius of the path of the articles being conveyed.

5. Conveying apparatus of the character described, comprising a plurality of upper and lower linear supporting members, said members being angularly disposed, article guide bars on each member, an upper chain guideway upon each'upper member, a lower chain guideway upon each lower member, a rotatably mounted conveying wheel interposed vbetween said upper members, said wheel' provided with a chain engaging rib, and an endless chain movably mounted within said guideways and adapted to engage said rib, said rib adapted to increase the radial path of said chain during travel on said wheel with relation to the radial path of the articles being conveyedwhereby said articles are conveyed centrally upon said conveying wheel.

6. Conveyingapparatus of the character described, compr1sing a plurality of upper and lower linear supporting members,said membersbeing angularly disposed, article guide bars on each member, an lupper chain guideway upon each uppermember, a lower chain guideway upon each lower member, a rotatably mounted conveying wheel interposed between said upper members, said wheel provided with a chain engaging rib, and an endless cham mov-ably mounted within said said chain composed of `a plurality of links arranged to be relatively displaced in both vertical and horizontal planes.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

HARRY D. LATHROP. 

